The effects of 10 years of recombinant human growth hormone (Gh) in adult GH-deficient patients

The long term effects of GH replacement in adult GH-deficient (GHD) patients have not yet been clarified. We studied 21 GHD adults who originally took part in a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial of GH treatment in 1987. After completion of that trial, 10 patients received continuous...

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Published in:The journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism 1999-08, Vol.84 (8), p.2596-2602
Main Authors: GIBNEY, J, WALLACE, J. D, RUSSELL-JONES, D, SPINKS, T, SCHNORR, L, RANICAR, A, CUNEO, R. C, LOCKHART, S, BURNAND, K. G, SALOMON, F, SONKSEN, P. H
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Biological and medical sciences
Blood Pressure - drug effects
Body Composition
Double-Blind Method
Female
Growth Hormone - therapeutic use
Hormones. Endocrine system
Human Growth Hormone - deficiency
Humans
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
Time Factors
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Summary:The long term effects of GH replacement in adult GH-deficient (GHD) patients have not yet been clarified. We studied 21 GHD adults who originally took part in a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial of GH treatment in 1987. After completion of that trial, 10 patients received continuous GH replacement for the subsequent 10 yr, whereas 11 did not. A group of 11 age- and sex-matched normal controls were also studied in 1987 and 1997. Lean body mass, as assessed by total body potassium measurement and computed tomography scanning of the dominant thigh, increased in the GH-treated group (P < 0.01 for both) only (P < 0.05 between groups for total body potassium). Low density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased in the GH-treated group (P < 0.05) only. Carotid intima media thickness was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in the untreated group than in the GH-treated group. Assessment of psychological well-being using the Nottingham Health Profile revealed improvement in overall score, energy levels, and emotional reaction in the GH-treated group compared with those in the untreated group (P < 0.02). In conclusion, GH treatment for 10 yr in GHD adults resulted in increased lean body and muscle mass, a less atherogenic lipid profile, reduced carotid intima media thickness, and improved psychological well-being.
ISSN:0021-972X
1945-7197
DOI:10.1210/jc.84.8.2596